Stuart Anderson MP has welcomed a South Shropshire business to Parliament.
On Wednesday 18th June 2025, Vine & Co made the trip from Sandford Avenue in Church Stretton to the Houses of Parliament in Westminster to attend the Champions Reception of the highly coveted Countryside Alliance Awards.
Known as the 'Rural Oscars', the competition was devised as a way of celebrating rural communities, skills, and produce. Now in their eighteenth year, the awards recognise those who contribute towards the vitality of the rural economy and go above and beyond in support of their local communities.
In April, it was announced that Vine & Co., the family owned general store in Church Stretton had made it to the national finals in the best Village Shop category as winners for the Midlands region. A ceremony to announce national winners took place in the House of Lords, hosted by Thomas Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester.
Stuart joined the business owners to celebrate their success. Stuart promoted the awards scheme as part of his plan to unleash rural prosperity in South Shropshire. Since his election, Stuart has been engaging with and raising the profile of local businesses
As part of this, Stuart has been supporting the fantastic opportunities for local businesses in the constituency. This includes Stuart's Business Support Finder, which signposts a range of grants, tax reliefs, and competitions that local businesses may be eligible to apply for.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"I was delighted to welcome Vine & Co. to Parliament to celebrate their amazing achievement of being shortlisted in the Rural Oscars Ceremony. Family businesses are the backbone of our rural economy and an integral part of my plan to unleash rural prosperity in South Shropshire. So, it is no surprise that Vine & Co. enjoys amazing local support. I look forward to seeing them go from strength to strength."
